Ponta Delgada: 2-Day Tour, East & West Island Highlights

Thinking about visiting São Miguel in the Azores? This 2-day tour offering from iGoAzoresTours promises a well-rounded way to see the island’s best features—perfect if you’re short on time but craving a genuine local experience. From volcanic landscapes to lush tea plantations, it’s a curated adventure designed to give you a real taste of Azorean beauty.

What stands out to us? First, the fact that you’ll be guided by true local storytellers who bring the island’s stories and history alive. Second, the variety of landscapes — from geothermal wonders to lakes and waterfalls — ensures no two stops feel the same. However, keep in mind that this is a group tour, so if you’re after total flexibility or traveling with kids who need a slower pace, it’s worth considering how this fits your style. This tour seems well-suited for curious travelers eager to explore the island’s highlights with authentic insights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage of São Miguel’s east and west highlights in just two days
• Expert local guides who share personal stories and cultural tidbits
• Diverse landscapes, from volcanic craters and lakes to waterfalls and coastlines
• Cultural and culinary experiences, including tea and pineapple plantations and local food tastings
• Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with hotel pickup
• Flexible options like meal add-ons to enhance the experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Does the Tour Include?

This two-day adventure is designed to maximize your time on São Miguel, hitting many of the top spots with a local storyteller guiding the way. Included in the price are hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a shared air-conditioned vehicle, and a water bottle for the journey. You also get two full days exploring the island’s east and west sides, plus visits to local pineapple and tea plantations with tastings, which are especially popular among visitors wanting a taste of Azorean agriculture.

The tour is also praised for its knowledgeable guides who make the experience engaging and informative. Reviewers mention guides like Andrea, Raphael, and John as being particularly friendly, well-informed, and attentive—adding a genuine warmth that makes the trip memorable.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: Discovering the East Side

Your adventure begins with a hotel or nearby pickup, ensuring a smooth start. On this day, you’ll explore the Furnas volcano, renowned for its geothermal activity. Expect to see hot springs, fumaroles, and lush vegetation that give this area a strange and beautiful Romanesque feel. The highlight? Possibly the Furnas stew, cooked in volcanic soil right on the lake’s shores—a true local tradition you can taste with the optional meal add-on.

Next, your guide will take you to Nordeste, a scenic area famous for waterfalls, lush greenery, and quiet spots perfect for photos and relaxing walks. The Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park is another stop, where waterfalls feed old watermills—an idyllic setting that many reviews say is even better in person than in pictures.

A visit to the last 100% natural tea plantation in the world caps off the day. This is a rare chance to see how Azorean tea is made, and you’ll get to sample some fresh brews. As one guest noted, this part of the tour leaves you with lasting memories.

Day 2: Exploring the West Side

The second day shifts focus to the Sete Cidades volcano, arguably the star of the island. You’ll marvel at the famous twin lakes, with their contrasting blue and green hues, a perfect spot for photos and soaking in the volcanic landscape. This area is a must-see, consistently described as breathtaking.

Another highlight is Lagoa do Fogo, a lagoon nestled in a volcanic caldera. Because it’s part of a protected nature reserve, rental cars are banned from the area, making this tour a unique way to visit this stunning spot without the hassle of organizing transport yourself. Expect lush surroundings and a tranquil atmosphere that will make you want to linger.

On your way back along the coast, you’ll see majestically rugged lava rock formations that showcase the island’s volcanic roots. The drive itself offers plenty of scenic views, making this a great photo opportunity.

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Food and Tastings

You might opt for the lunch options, which include a local buffet and the famous Furnas stew. Vegetarian options are available, and if you prefer, you can always explore local cafes or markets afterward. Many reviewers especially appreciated the authentic Azorean cuisine, which added a flavorful dimension to the trip.

What Do Travelers Say?

Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating based on 34 reviews. Dulce from Portugal called the tour “an excellent option” and praised guide Andreia for her warmth and knowledge. Travellers like Travis from the U.S. appreciated guides Raphael and John, highlighting how much they learned and enjoyed the stunning views.

Some reviews, including one from Eva in Germany, mention how even in foggy or rainy weather, the landscape remains fascinating. The guides are often praised for their insightful storytelling and friendly demeanor, which makes the experience feel personal rather than just a sightseeing bus.

Transportation & Group Size

Travelers note that the shared vehicle makes the tour comfortable and easy, with hotel pickup and drop-off saving time and hassle. The group size isn’t specified explicitly, but the positive reviews suggest it’s a manageable number that allows for interaction and flexibility. The tour runs in full-day segments with a good pace—enough to see a lot without feeling rushed.

Pricing & Value

While the tour’s base price covers transportation, guide, tastings, and some attractions, the additional costs such as meals, entrance fees for thermal baths, or the stew cooking area are optional. Considering the number of stops, the depth of local insights, and the convenience of guided transport, many find it to be good value, especially compared to trying to piece together these sights independently.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who prefer guided tours and want a comprehensive snapshot of São Miguel. It’s particularly well-suited for those who love natural scenery, enjoy local food, and appreciate storytelling that adds context to what they’re seeing. Because of the group format and structured itinerary, it might be less suited for those seeking total flexibility or traveling with very young children who need a slower pace.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, engaging way to see São Miguel in just two days, this tour offers a lot. The combination of stunning landscapes, authentic local experiences, and friendly guides makes it a strong choice. The fact that many travelers have praised the guides’ knowledge and warmth suggests you’ll not only see beautiful sights but also learn about the island’s culture and history from people who truly care.

While it’s not a private or ultra-flexible experience, the convenience and depth of this guided journey make it a standout option for those who want a trustworthy, immersive introduction to the Azores. If stunning volcanic scenery, lush green landscapes, and warm local stories appeal to you, this tour might just be the perfect way to start your Azores adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or a nearby location, making it easy to start your day without extra hassle.

Are meals included?
Lunch is available as an add-on, featuring a local buffet and Furnas stew cooked in volcanic soil. Vegetarian options are available, and you’re free to explore local eateries afterward if preferred.

What attractions do I visit?
You’ll see Furnas geothermal area, Nordeste waterfalls, Ribeira dos Caldeirões, the tea plantation, Sete Cidades lakes, Lagoa do Fogo, and scenic coastal lava formations.

Can I visit Lagoa do Fogo?
No, rental cars are banned in Lagoa do Fogo, but this tour provides access in a way that many independent travelers can’t easily manage.

How knowledgeable are the guides?
Based on reviews, guides like Andrea, Raphael, and John are highly praised for their friendliness, storytelling, and local knowledge.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, the sights and general pace could suit older children and teenagers. Small children should be considered based on their pace and interest.

What is the group size?
The exact group size isn’t specified, but overall, the experience seems designed for manageable group sizes that allow personalized attention.

Is there free time during the tour?
The itinerary is quite full, but stops like waterfalls or scenic viewpoints naturally allow for photo ops and brief rests. The guides aim to balance sightseeing with comfort.

If you’re eager to explore São Miguel without the hassle of planning every detail, this 2-day guided tour offers a practical, engaging way to see the best of the island with a local touch. It’s a great choice for those wanting a mix of scenery, culture, and tasty experiences in a manageable timeframe.

You can check availability for your dates here: